MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers announced Thursday, January 16, that Brewers icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker has passed away at the age of 90.

Greetings to Bob Uecker

What they say:

Reaction to Bob Uecker’s death will come from across Wisconsin, across the country and around the world. Mr. Baseball touched many, many lives.

Milwaukee Brewers

“Today we take on the heaviest burden. Today we say goodbye to our beloved friend Bob Uecker.

“Ueck was the light of the Brewers, the soundtrack of our summers, the laughter in our hearts, and his death is a deep loss. He was the heart and soul of Wisconsin and a dear friend. Bob loved people; his presence warmed everyone.” He had a way of welcoming us all into his world as if we were lifelong friends.

“The departure of Bob shocks us all. He was so much more than a Milwaukee Brewers icon. He was a national treasure. Bob entertained us with his words and his storytelling, so it’s no surprise that his death now leaves us at a loss for our own words.

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“There is no description of the impact Ueck had on so many, and there are no words for how much he was loved. We have a huge emptiness in our hearts, but we also remember the laughter and joy he brought into our lives over the years.”

Allan H. “Bud” Selig, commissioner emeritus of Major League Baseball and former owner of the Brewers

“I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend Bob Uecker. I cannot describe how much he meant to me, let alone what this loss means to Brewers fans, the state of Wisconsin and countless others around the world.”

“Bob had the easiest way to make people feel comfortable, laugh with him, and always made people feel a little better. No one was his equal.”

“I am so grateful that Bob’s friendship was a constant presence throughout most of my life. For over fifty years, rarely a day went by when we missed a conversation, an exchange of stories, and countless laughs. This cannot be replaced and is a problem.” A great loss, but I am lucky to have experienced such a lasting friendship.

“Sue and I are thinking about Judy, Bob’s children Sue Ann and Bob Jr., and all of Bob’s family at this difficult time for all of us.”

Statement from the Uecker family

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Bob. To many he was an announcer and entertainer whose humor and voice transcended the game, but to us he was so much more.”

“Bob has had a private battle with small cell lung cancer since early 2023, which he faced with the same strength and resilience that defined him. Even in the face of this challenge, his enthusiasm for life was always present and never let his spirit falter.” .

“Through his wit, charisma and love for baseball, Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin, he brought joy to countless listeners and created a legacy that will be treasured forever. While his contributions to the game are notable, it is his kindness, humility, and love for family and friends that are dear to our hearts.

“We are grateful for the love and support during this difficult time as we mourn and celebrate the man we were so lucky to call.”

The Milwaukee Brewers will announce details of a public celebration of Bob Uecker’s life and his unparalleled impact at a later date.

Bob Uecker touched our hearts

The backstory:

Affectionately known as “Mr. Professional baseball player, broadcaster, actor and comedian Bob Uecker was born on January 26, 1934 in Milwaukee.

Uecker grew up playing baseball and watching the minor league Milwaukee Brewers play at Borchert Field.

“I was actually a pitcher when I played the clay courts in Milwaukee. I actually got a tryout with the Braves,” Uecker said. “They had a guy down there. A pitching coach. He stands next to me and I throw for about 15 or 20 minutes. And finally he said, ‘Now show me your good fastball.’ That’s a true story.” And I said, “I threw my good fastball.” And then he said, “Well, then I recommend you get a job.” I told him that years later in spring training in the big leagues , I asked him. If he remembered me, he said no. But I switched from pitching to catching when he told me to get a job.

As a catcher, Uecker signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1959. With the organization he made it to the majors in 1962.

Uecker also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves during his six-year career. He is known as a defensive catcher and finished his career with a batting average of just .200. It was only after his playing days that he became a national figure.

In 1970, Uecker was booked on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. With his self-deprecating humor he had over 100 appearances. Carson is the one who gave him the nickname Mr. Baseball.

“I tried to stick with it, oh yeah, maybe one or two home runs a year. Maybe three or four runs I hit. Because if you move up in this category next year, they will expect the same or even more from you,” said Uecker.

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In 1971 Uecker came home. He began calling games for the Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcast – which he did until his death.

“I went straight from playing baseball upstairs to working with Merle Harmon and Tom Collins,” Uecker said.

Later in the 1970s, Uecker began televising games with Monday Night Baseball on ABC. He also appeared in several Miller Light All-Star commercials, which led to further acting gigs.

“As I said. I love being on the road with these guys,” Uecker said.

In early 1985, Uecker starred in the ABC sitcom “Mr. Belvedere”. The show ran for six seasons.

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In 1987 and 1988, Uecker appeared as a guest ring announcer for Wrestle Mania III and IV – which earned him induction into the WWE Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Uecker also made the jump to the big screen. He played Harry Doyle, an announcer in the major league films.

Uecker was also part of the network’s broadcasts of World Series games in 1981, 1995 and 1997. But despite his national appeal and success in Hollywood, Uecker returned to Milwaukee to play for the Brewers season after season.

“I enjoy making people laugh. Regardless of whether it’s at my expense, I don’t worry about such things. I love my job. I make other people feel good,” said Uecker. “When you sit down and tell stories about things like that from years ago, you start to laugh. You really do.”

In 2003, Uecker received the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for significant contributions to baseball. In typical Uecker style, he caused a lot of laughter during his introductory speech.

In 2010, Uecker had some health problems. He underwent heart surgery in April and returned to the stand in July. Then in October, Uecker had to undergo a second surgery to repair a tear that occurred when he saw his valve replacement due to a staph infection. In recent seasons, Uecker scaled back his broadcast schedule and cut back on many of his road trips.

“I realized it was time to think about something else. You know, maybe I’ll call slow-pitch softball games at the Village at Manor Park, I don’t know,” Uecker said.

There are many Uecker tributes around Milwaukee’s baseball stadium. The Brewers have added number 50 to their Ring of Honor. His name is also on the Braves Wall of Honor. There is a Uecker statue outside. In 2014, the team placed one of him behind home plate on the top level, an homage to his Miller Light commercial.

“When I first heard about this project, I declined. I had the impression that they wanted me to work from up there,” said Uecker.

Bob Uecker will be remembered as the voice of summer and baseball.

“Sooner or later everyone has to go. You know, I don’t know when my dirty bath is coming. But sooner or later you have a lawnmower on top of you,” said Uecker. “I don’t care what it is. It just happens. That’s the way it is. There’s nothing you can do about it. And I’ll try to hold on until I can’t anymore.”

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